{"id":30953,"date":"2026-09-01T15:55:59","date_gmt":"2026-09-01T21:55:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.richmondamerican.com\/blog\/?p=30953"},"modified":"2026-09-01T15:56:01","modified_gmt":"2026-09-01T21:56:01","slug":"what-is-a-great-room","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.richmondamerican.com\/blog\/what-is-a-great-room\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is a Great Room? A Guide to Open Concept Living"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>What is a great room? By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.merriam-webster.com\/dictionary\/great%20room\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">definition<\/a>, it\u2019s \u201ca large room in a residence usually serving several functions (as of a dining room, living room, and family room).\u201d Most new homes have some kind of great room, but the size, layout, and functionality of this space can vary significantly between floor plans.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When house hunting, it can be easy to take the great room for granted\u2014as long as a home has one and it can fit your couch and TV, that\u2019s good enough, right?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Maybe not. In fact, we\u2019d argue that the great room is one of the most important features in your abode, and there are a number of factors to consider around this space when searching for a new house. For many households, this room is the heart of the home. It\u2019s where much of daily life happens, and its layout and features can have a significant impact on routines, special occasions, and everything in between.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-box ub-styled-box ub-notification-box\" id=\"ub-styled-box-a19962ab-35ef-4273-9825-375c91e17af9\">\n\n\n<p id=\"ub-styled-box-notification-content-4f5ea889-c878-4bbd-8466-af3e386e65fb\"><strong>In this article, we\u2019ll guide you through:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>The advantages of having a great room, including easier entertaining, greater flexibility, and everyday comfort<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Things to consider before starting your house hunt, such as size needs, intended use, and nice-to-have features<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>And how to evaluate great rooms based on layout, flow, storage, and design<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">First, what are the benefits of a great room?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The popularity of open-concept living isn&#8217;t accidental. Great rooms offer several practical advantages that appeal to many modern households.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Comfortable everyday living<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the strongest benefits of a great room is convenience and comfort in daily life. Rather than separating the living room, dining room, and kitchen into distinct spaces, the great room creates a more cohesive, inviting environment. Parents can keep an eye on young children while preparing meals. Family members can have conversations even when they&#8217;re each doing different activities. Instead of feeling isolated in separate rooms, everyone remains connected within a shared living space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Easier entertaining<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.richmondamerican.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/RAH-Huntley-PHX-Fam-Nook-Blossom-RET-L1-S.jpg\" alt=\"An inviting great room and adjacent dining area\" class=\"wp-image-30960\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Great rooms also open up the possibilities of hosting. Rather than sequestering guests in a cramped and secluded living room, you can instead have larger gatherings in a more seamless, connected setting. Visitors can mingle naturally in the great room and adjacent dining areas, while the host (that\u2019s you!) still feels included, even when preparing appetizers or drinks in the kitchen. With an inviting great room, you can enjoy more gatherings with fewer bottlenecks.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Plus, great rooms that open onto outdoor living spaces allow parties and other get-togethers to spread organically, offering even more room to comfortably move and socialize.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Flexibility for various uses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>What is a great room if not a versatile space that can shift to your needs? A thoughtfully designed great room can be a valuable asset to your home\u2019s adaptability\u2014and we all know how quickly life moves and evolves.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This area can function as a family room, home theater, reading nook, game room, homework station, or party central, among many other uses. Imagine competitive game nights with friends, relaxing family movie marathons, casual weeknight dinners, lively holiday gatherings with out-of-town relatives, playtime among the kiddos, or reading a novel in a cozy armchair next to the fireplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Increased natural light<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;core&quot;:\n\t\t\t\t{ &quot;image&quot;:\n\t\t\t\t\t{   &quot;imageLoaded&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;initialized&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;lightboxEnabled&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;hideAnimationEnabled&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;preloadInitialized&quot;: false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;lightboxAnimation&quot;: &quot;zoom&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;imageUploadedSrc&quot;: &quot;https:\/\/www.richmondamerican.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Yorktown_Desert_Greatroom_0359_RET_L1_S.jpg&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;imageCurrentSrc&quot;: &quot;&quot;,\n\t\t\t\t\t\t&quot;targetWidth&quot;: 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aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M13 11.8l6.1-6.3-1-1-6.1 6.2-6.1-6.2-1 1 6.1 6.3-6.5 6.7 1 1 6.5-6.6 6.5 6.6 1-1z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n                <\/button>\n                <div class=\"lightbox-image-container\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full responsive-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-bind--src=\"context.core.image.imageCurrentSrc\" data-wp-style--object-fit=\"selectors.core.image.lightboxObjectFit\" src=\"\" alt=\"A bright and sunny great room and adjacent kitchen\" class=\"wp-image-30958\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n                <div class=\"lightbox-image-container\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full enlarged-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-wp-bind--src=\"selectors.core.image.enlargedImgSrc\" data-wp-style--object-fit=\"selectors.core.image.lightboxObjectFit\" src=\"\" alt=\"A bright and sunny great room and adjacent kitchen\" class=\"wp-image-30958\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n                <div class=\"scrim\" style=\"background-color: var(--wp--preset--color--base)\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n        <\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Many great rooms feature large windows and fewer interior walls. As a result, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.richmondamerican.com\/blog\/natural-light-in-homes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">natural light<\/a> can travel freely throughout the main living area. This design choice often makes a home feel more open, inviting, and spacious, as well as reduces the need for artificial lighting during the day, which could even contribute to better energy efficiency in the home.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A more spacious feel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Another reason buyers are frequently drawn to great rooms is their ability to make a home feel larger. Removing walls between living areas creates longer sightlines and a greater sense of openness. Even if the home&#8217;s square footage remains unchanged, the uninterrupted layout often gives the impression of a more expansive living space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This doesn&#8217;t necessarily mean that every great room needs to be enormous. In many cases, thoughtful design and efficient use of space can create a roomy feel without dramatically increasing the home&#8217;s footprint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How will you use your great room?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.richmondamerican.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/RAH-Hopewell-EastCoast-Fam-RET-L1-S.jpg\" alt=\"An electric fireplace and television setup in a great room\" class=\"wp-image-30961\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you begin touring homes and seeing great rooms in person, you should first ask yourself a few questions about what you and your family will need out of this space. Every household has different priorities, and understanding your needs in advance can help narrow down your search.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Some questions to consider include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>How big is your household? Does it include kids who need room to play, teens who frequently invite friends over, older relatives who require easily accessible seating, or pets with large beds?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How much visibility do you want between the primary living areas? Do you need to be able to keep an eye on the children from the kitchen?&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How often will you be hosting? When you entertain guests, do you prefer to keep the gathering contained to one space, or would you want people to move freely between rooms?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What kind of furniture do you plan to include in your great room? Just a simple couch and coffee table, or a more elaborate seating setup that includes recliners, love seats, and other pieces?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How important is TV visibility in the great room? Or will your great room even include a TV?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How much storage do you need in this space?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What about other features? Will you want a fireplace, a ceiling fan, or other potential additions in your great room?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should you look for in a great room?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.richmondamerican.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Tourmaline_NCO_Greatroom_Thompson21172_RET_L1_S.jpg\" alt=\"Open and inviting living spaces\" class=\"wp-image-30957\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you&#8217;ve established your priorities, it&#8217;s time to evaluate specific characteristics while house hunting. Here are some factors to keep in mind as you tour:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Layout<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The layout of a great room can determine how comfortable and functional the space feels on a daily basis. One of the first things to evaluate is whether your furniture can fit comfortably within the room. As you tour properties, bring a tape measure along to get an accurate idea of the space you\u2019re working with. Consider not only current furniture but future purchases as well, and be sure to leave room for side tables, walkways, and extendable seating (like recliners).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may also want to keep in mind how you\u2019d like to arrange your furniture. Will you want all of the seating to face in the same direction, toward a centerpiece such as a television or fireplace? Or would you prefer to have seating that curves around in a semi-circle, allowing for more natural conversation without closing in the space completely?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, think about how the layout of your great room might accommodate your design plans. Is there room to add that area rug you\u2019ve had your eye on? Do you see enough wall space to fit your bookshelves or the artwork you\u2019d like to hang? The size and configuration of a great room can significantly impact what you\u2019re able to do with the space, both functionally and aesthetically.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Flow<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll also want to consider the room\u2019s flow, or the ease of movement throughout the living areas. Pay attention to pathways between high-use spaces\u2014can people reasonably get from the great room to the kitchen without having to weave around furniture, squeeze between seating, or disrupt conversations? Look for homes in which household traffic naturally flows around gathering spaces rather than right through them. For instance, you wouldn\u2019t want family members having to pass in front of the television or guests needing to disrupt group conversations just to get to the bathroom.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, think about whether indoor-outdoor living is important for your future home. Would you like your great room to open directly to a covered or uncovered patio or deck? This, along with the addition of sliding-glass patio doors, could help create a more seamless flow between indoor and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.richmondamerican.com\/blog\/outdoor-living-spaces\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">outdoor spaces<\/a> and extend your usable space for relaxing, entertaining, and gathering.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Storage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.richmondamerican.com\/blog\/home-storage-what-to-look-for-during-your-house-hunt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Storage<\/a> isn\u2019t necessarily glamorous, but it\u2019s a factor that can affect your great room\u2019s long-term usability. As you shop around for your next home, see which great rooms offer any of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Built-in shelving.<\/strong> This feature can help organize books, decorative items, family photos, and entertainment equipment. It can even serve as a piece of d\u00e9cor itself, depending on what you display and how you organize it.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cabinets.<\/strong> Integrated cabinetry allows you to keep everyday essentials out of sight, but still within reach. With this storage feature, the great room can remain organized and clutter-free.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nearby closets. <\/strong>Rather than guests and kids draping their coats over chairs or dropping their bags on the couch, a nearby coat closet can keep the mess from infiltrating the living space. Storage closets can also be useful for keeping extra blankets, throw pillows, games, and other items close at hand.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This is also where furniture comes back into play. If a great room doesn\u2019t have preexisting storage solutions like those mentioned above, make sure that it provides enough space to fit standalone bookshelves, entertainment centers, credenzas, or coffee tables with built-in storage.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Design details<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.richmondamerican.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Yorktown_WA_Greatroom_Tehaleh27635_RET_L1_S.jpg\" alt=\"A spacious great room filled with natural lighting\" class=\"wp-image-30959\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>And now for the final touch\u2014certain design elements can considerably influence how a great room looks, feels, and functions. Fireplaces, for instance, are found in many great rooms (particularly in colder climates) and can serve as a visual focal point, as well as provide a cozy, warm ambiance for the space. There are various types and styles of fireplaces, so think carefully about what kind you may want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lighting deserves careful attention as well, and you\u2019ll want to consider both artificial and natural light in the space. Ideally, your great room should offer some combination of natural light, overhead fixtures, and decorative or task lighting in order to accommodate different times of day and various activities. Bright ceiling lights may be suitable for a nighttime holiday party, while you may prefer table lamps or wall scones for a relaxed evening reading or watching movies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For natural lighting, take note of the windows in a great room. Think about their size, number, and placement, as each of those factors can significantly affect a great room\u2019s atmosphere and appearance. Large windows are great for providing ample natural light, but you\u2019ll have to consider blinds, curtains, or other coverings if privacy is a concern for your household. Windows on multiple walls can potentially make the space feel larger and more open. However, you\u2019ll also want to consider the direction that your windows are facing, which determines the amount of sunlight the room receives throughout the day. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While you\u2019re looking at windows, also pay attention to the room\u2019s ceilings. Ceiling height and style can dramatically impact how a room looks or feels. For example, vaulted ceilings, tray ceilings, and other varieties can introduce visual interest while enhancing the perception of openness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When <a href=\"https:\/\/www.richmondamerican.com\/campaigns\/1630\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">shopping for a new home<\/a>, it\u2019s important to look beyond square footage and surface-level design trends. Instead, we encourage you to look at each room (particularly high-use, centrally located areas such as the great room) carefully, considering how the layout, flow, functionality, and design will work for your needs. The best homes are typically planned around how people actually live. They\u2019re thoughtfully designed to support daily routines, lively gatherings, relaxing evenings spent with family, and every other big and small moment.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So when we ask, \u201cwhat is a great room?,\u201d we\u2019re really asking\u2014what is a great room to <em>you<\/em>? What do you need out of that space? How can your future home\u2019s living areas work for your household and lifestyle?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As you tour homes and compare floor plans, it can be helpful to take a moment to imagine how you&#8217;ll actually use the space. Picture where your furniture will go, how guests will move through the room, and how family members will interact throughout the day. By considering the space in the context of your own life, you&#8217;ll be better prepared to choose a home that feels both functional and comfortable for years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"cross-sell\">\n  <div class=\"cs-content-new\">\n     <div class=\"u-width-30 cs-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.richmondamerican.com\/campaigns\/22\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"post-img u-width-100 cs-guide-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/www.richmondamerican.com\/content\/globalmedia\/media-28433.webp\" alt=\"Man and woman researching on computer\"><\/a>\n     <\/div>\n     <div class=\"u-width-70 cs-content\">    \n       <h4>Get a room-by-room floor plan lifestyle guide!<\/h4>\n       <p>Need help evaluating floor plans to discover which one is right for you? Get a floor plan worksheet, model home touring tips and more in How to Choose the Right Floor Plan for Your Lifestyle!<\/p>\n       <p class=\"m-top-40\"><a class=\"btn-rah\" href=\"https:\/\/www.richmondamerican.com\/campaigns\/22\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Download now<\/a><\/p>\n     <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is a great room? By definition, it\u2019s \u201ca large room in a residence usually serving several functions (as of a dining room, living room, and family room).\u201d Most new homes have some kind of great room, but the size, layout, and functionality of this space can vary significantly between floor plans. When house hunting, it can be easy to take the great room for granted. Read more.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":30962,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"ub_ctt_via":"","cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[425,166,379],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.richmondamerican.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/RAH-Julia-PHX-Greatroom-BlossomRock-RET-L1-S.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Brian Metzger","author_link":"https:\/\/www.richmondamerican.com\/blog\/author\/bmetzger2\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\r\n<title>What Is a Great Room? A Guide to Open Concept Living<\/title>\r\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The great room is often the heart of a home. 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